NCDA&CS Seed Testing Lab reopens in permanent spot

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Seed Laboratory has moved back to its permanent location in the Old Health Building following the completion of renovations.

Effective immediately, laboratory users who have been shipping samples through FedEx or UPS to the lab's temporary location in Cary should send samples to NCDA&CS Plant Industry Division Complex, 216 W. Jones St., Raleigh, NC, 27603.

Users who have been sending samples through the U.S. Postal Service should continue to address them to NCDA&CS-N.C. Seed Laboratory, 1060 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1060.

The phone number for the lab is 919-733-3930, and the fax number is 919-733-1041.

"Full testing services have resumed, and our goal is to minimize the interruption of service to our customers," said Gene Cross, director of the Plant Industry Division.

The lab had moved to Cary last year to accommodate the needed replacement of the heating and air-conditioning system and renovation of the lab space in the Old Health Building, which is in downtown Raleigh.

The N.C. Seed Laboratory provides support for both the regulatory and service work of the department's seed and fertilizer field specialists, seed dealers, producers, consumers and university researchers. Testing focuses on purity and germination rates for seeds, accelerated aging, Round-Up Ready tolerance, and sand and moisture content.